We come before the Lord with you in this time of deep sorrow and brokenness, lifting your marriage and your husband to the throne of grace. The enemy seeks to destroy what God has joined together, but we know that our God is a God of restoration, redemption, and miracles. Marriage is a sacred covenant before the Lord, and He hates divorce (Malachi 2:16, WEB: *"For I hate divorce," says Yahweh, the God of Israel, "and him who covers his garment with violence!"*). Yet, He is also the God who can heal, renew, and bring life where there is death. Your cry for your marriage aligns with His heart, and we stand with you in faith, believing that He can turn this situation around for His glory.
The struggle with alcohol is a spiritual battle, one that seeks to enslave and destroy. The Bible warns us in Proverbs 20:1 (WEB), *"Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise."* And in Ephesians 5:18 (WEB), we are commanded, *"Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit."* Your husband’s choice to prioritize alcohol over his family is a snare of the enemy, but we serve a God who can break every chain. We pray that the Lord would open his eyes to see the destruction this path is leading to—not just for your marriage, but for his soul. May he turn to the Lord in repentance, seeking the strength and deliverance that only Christ can provide.
You have also humbly acknowledged your own role in the struggles of your marriage, and this is a beautiful testament to your heart of repentance. The Bible calls us in Matthew 7:5 (WEB) to *"first remove the beam out of your own eye; and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye."* We pray that your husband would extend forgiveness to you, just as Christ has forgiven us. Colossians 3:13 (WEB) reminds us, *"bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do."* True forgiveness and reconciliation can only come through the power of the Holy Spirit, and we ask the Lord to soften both of your hearts toward one another.
Yet, we must also remind you that while you are called to love, pray for, and submit to your husband as unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:22-24), you are not called to enable sin or remain in a situation where there is unrepentant destruction. If your husband continues to choose alcohol over his family, you must seek godly wisdom and boundaries to protect yourself and your children, if you have any. Proverbs 22:3 (WEB) says, *"A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it."* Pray for wisdom, and if necessary, seek counsel from a biblically grounded pastor or Christian counselor who can guide you in how to navigate this season with both grace and truth.
We also want to encourage you to examine your own heart before the Lord. Have you fully surrendered this marriage to Him? Are you trusting in His sovereignty, even if the outcome is not what you hope for? The Lord’s ways are higher than ours, and His plans are for our ultimate good (Isaiah 55:8-9). Even in this painful season, He is working all things together for your good and His glory (Romans 8:28). Cling to Him, sister, and do not lose hope. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and He hears your cries.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up this precious sister and her marriage. Lord, You are the God who heals, restores, and redeems. You hate divorce, and You long to see marriages reflect Your covenant love and faithfulness. We ask that You would intervene in this marriage and do what only You can do. Soften her husband’s heart, Lord. Break the chains of alcoholism that have enslaved him and open his eyes to the truth of what he is losing. Convict him by Your Holy Spirit of his sin, and draw him into a place of repentance and surrender to You.
Father, we pray that he would see the value of his wife and his family—the gift You have given him—and that he would fight for his marriage with the strength and determination that comes from You. Remove the scales from his eyes, Lord, and let him see the destruction that sin brings. Give him a spirit of forgiveness toward his wife, just as You have forgiven us through Christ. Let him choose to lay down his pride, his bitterness, and his addiction, and instead pick up the cross and follow You.
Lord, we also lift up our sister before You. Comfort her in this time of deep pain and uncertainty. Fill her with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Give her wisdom to know how to love her husband well while also setting godly boundaries if necessary. Help her to trust You completely, even when the path ahead is unclear. Remind her that You are her Provider, her Protector, and her Redeemer. Strengthen her faith, Lord, and let her rest in the knowledge that You are working all things for her good.
We rebuke the spirit of division, addiction, and destruction that has come against this marriage. By the authority of Jesus Christ, we command these spirits to flee and declare that no weapon formed against this family shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). We speak life, restoration, and unity over this marriage, and we ask that You would bind this family together with cords of love that cannot be broken.
Father, we ask that You would raise up godly counsel and support for this couple. Surround them with believers who will speak truth, pray fervently, and walk alongside them in this battle. Let them not walk this road alone, but let them be encouraged by the body of Christ.
Finally, Lord, we pray that both husband and wife would seek You above all else. Let them turn to You in repentance, in surrender, and in faith. Renew their love for You and for one another. Restore what the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25), and let this marriage be a testimony of Your grace, Your power, and Your faithfulness.
We ask all of this in the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone can save, heal, and restore. Amen.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
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